Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
3rd International Balkan Annual Conference (IBAC-2013) “Bosnia and Herzegovina: In Common History and Multicultural Atmosphere of the Balkans”, Sarajevo, Bosna-Hersek, 10 - 13 Ekim 2013, ss.22
THE STATUS OF NURSING HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN TURKEY FROM PAST TO
PRESENT
AND AN INSTITUTION SURVIVING OVER
A CENTURY “DARÜLACEZE”
Kırdı Z, Evciman A, Özgülnar, N, Ören M
Population aging is one of
the most important demographic phenomena emerging in 21st century. It is
obviously observed that people live longer, birth rates decrease and hence the elderly
populations grow by numbers and percentages.
Particularly, since the second half of 20th century, elderly populations
have shown remarkable growth. Under these circumstances, in Turkey, it is estimated
that the percentage of population of individuals aged 65 or older, which is now
claimed as 7,6% in 2013, will approximately be 17,6% in 2050. Additionally, we
know that only 7 in 10 individuals aged 65 or older either share same house with their children or
live in the same neighbourhood with them. Due to the fact that the status
and function of the elderly have changed
in communities and families in time, a growing need for nursing homes has become
inevitable. The total number of “Nursing
Homes and Care And Rehabilitation Centers for the Elderly” offering official or
private service are 295 and total bed
space is 24 296.
In each era of history, the
existence of ancient institutions has clued elderly care in Turkish community.
The first Turkish institution for elderly care was established during the era
of Seljuks in 11th century, then, The Red
Crescent Society and “Darülaceze”
were established in 1868 and 1895 respectively during the era of Ottoman
Empire. The aim of this historical institution “Darülaceze” is to provide a
comfortable accomodation for poor people and save them from desperation without
regard to their race, religion or ethnicity.
Key words: Nursing home, elderly, darulaceze